"My determination is to ensure we're in the best place to win in three years' time."

It's crucial for the Opposition to continue its focus on "discipline and unity", she said.

"I'll talk to my colleagues today but of course I'm considering it."

Tanya Plibersek election night. Picture: ABC News

This afternoon Anthony Albanese, the Opposition's spokesman for infrastructure and also from the left of the party, announced his intention to run for the leadership.

Mr Albanese became the first to officially announce his run at a pub in Balmain, in Sydney's inner west.

Mr Albanese was full of praise for Mr Shorten, who will remain in an interim role until his successor is chosen.

"He has fought a tough campaign, he has led our great party for six years. He has been an inclusive leader and is someone who has campaigned on a policy agenda in the interests of working people, and is someone who has my respect," Mr Albanese said.

Mr Albanese was the rank-and-file choice over Mr Shorten in 2013 after Kevin Rudd's defeat however a rule change determining how the Labor leader is picked - 50 per cent from Caucus and 50 per cent from the membership - saw Mr Shorten ultimately chosen.

Ms Plibersek holds one of the safest Labor seats in the country. The shadow spokeswoman for education is a popular candidate among the election and has been shown to have broad appeal.

Shadow treasury spokesman Chris Bowen is also expected run for the leadership.

He was part of Mr Shorten's inner-circle but will be hampered by the fact that he was the main architect of Labor's big picture tax reform agenda which was rejected at the ballot box yesterday.

Mr Bowen said he would consult with his family before making any decision about his leadership ambitions.